Malvern woman's song for homeless people after Joby Sparrey's death

Malvern woman's song for homeless people after Joby Sparrey's death

A MUSICIAN from Malvern has recorded a song in memory of homeless man Joby Sparrey, who died in a shop doorway in the town.

Carol Lee Sampson, of Pickersleigh Road, was inspired to create the song after she heard about the death of Mr Sparrey, whose body was found outside Brays in Worcester Road on Christmas Day.

The song, Joby Dream On, will be available to buy as a CD or online, and the proceeds will go towards helping homeless people in the Malvern area.

She said: “I met Joby three months before he tragically died, all alone on Christmas Day in a shop doorway.

“I was walking our dog on the common when I met him, and he was then living in the derelict caravan near the Link station, but that was then taken way.

“It was his dream to be off the streets, and in his own place again – sadly it didn’t come quickly enough.

“So, I want to help raise funds for the people who are still sleeping rough in our town, to help them get shelter, food and their basic needs met.

“Our community has set up a group, who are currently donating food, clothes and support, so any funds I raise will be given there, to aid that.

“The long-term vision is to have our own day & night shelter here in Malvern, so any excess funds raised will be given to that cause.”

The CD can be bought now from the Justgiving page joby-dream-on, and the download will be available from the same site, starting next Friday, February 22.

Mr Sparrey’s death came just a few weeks after that of another rough sleeper, Remigiusz Boczarski, who at one stage was living in a disused bus shelter in Wells Road, and the two deaths, coming so close together, have spurred many in the community into action.

A volunteer group, Malvern Against Homelessness, has been set up, with more than 30 people attending its inaugural meeting.

Coffee shop Costa in Church Street was overflowing with donations when it announced that it was collecting coats, hats, scarves and other items for the homeless.

Malvern Hills District Council is conducting a review into the circumstances surrounding Mr Sparrey’s death, and has also announced a new strategy to combat homelessness.

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